Sensory Profiling and External Preference Mapping of Pre-Thickened Water Products for Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a dysfunction of the swallowing system and thickened beverages are widely prescribed as a treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the sensory characteristics of pre-thickened water products and determine sensory drivers of liking for those types of products. Pre-thickened water products (two starch-based and two gum-based) were tested in both nectar and honey thick versions. Based on product availability, one product was neutral water, and the others were water with lemon flavoring added. The sensory characteristics of the products were evaluated with a highly trained descriptive panel, and the viscosity of the products was evaluated with both the Bostwick consistometer and the line spread test. Previously published consumer data was used to determine preference maps with the descriptive data. All lemon-flavored products had similar flavor characteristics, except the Thick & Easy Clear that had a less lemon-related flavor than the others. After excluding the lemon-related flavor characteristics, all pre-thickened products had similar “base flavor” notes, no matter whether the products were starch-based or gum-based. This contrasts with literature, which reports differences in flavor of thickened beverages prepared using thickening agents. The thickness of the products varied between nectar and honey thickness, but also varied among products that were stated to be at the same level of thickness. External preference mapping showed that both lemon-related flavor and a thinner beverage texture are potential drivers of consumers acceptance of the product, which was expected based on other studies. In conclusion, pre-thickened beverages are good alternatives for self-mixed thickening agents but a standard for thickness should be agreed on and used by manufacturers.

Impact of fermented whey addition on resulting sensory characteristics and consumer preference of ripened cheeses

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of fermented whey on the sensory characteristics of ripened cheeses and consumer preference. Ripened cheeses from 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 months were characterized. The sensory techniques used were: Quantitative Descriptive Analysis®, Temporal Dominance of Sensations and External Preference Mapping. The results showed that the ripened cheeses of 24 to 27 months they were characterized by white color, acidified milk smell, fat aroma and acidified cream smell. The cheese of 28 months of ripened was perceived as fermented milk smell, cow smell and fat smell. The dominant attributes were fat aroma, bitter aftertaste, acid aftertaste and salty. Consumers preferred cheeses from 26 and 27 months of ripening. These results demonstrate the potential use of fermented whey as an alternative to produce ripened cheeses with sensory characteristics and their relation to consumer preference.